Talks continue; lockout looms

EXAMINER NEWS SERVICES

Published 4:00 am, Wednesday, June 14, 1995

NEW YORK - Negotiators for the NBA and its players association were to meet for the third straight day Wednesday as a lockout loomed.

Commissioner David Stern has said that if a new collective bargaining agreement is not reached by the conclusion of the playoffs, the league would lock out the players. Houston, leading Orlando 3-0 in the best-of-7 NBA Finals, plays the Magic in Game 4 Wednesday night, and Stern was to have a "press availabilty" shortly before the game begins, league spokesman Jan Hubbard said.

"I can't characterize the details of our negotiations," said Simon Gourdine, executive director of the players association. "But it's safe to say if we had eight hours of meetings on Monday and 10-1/4 yesterday, that speaks for itself."

Gourdine said the two sides are closer. "I would say there are still several outstanding issues," he said.

With Stern in Houston, deputy commissioner Russ Granik headed the management team at Wednesday's talks in New York.

The players are seeking revenues from a greater number of sources, such as international licensing and arena revenue, and a larger share of total revenues. Under the current system, players get 53 percent, and owners say any increase would cut too deeply into their profits.

The increase in revenue share the players are seeking would effectively raise the salary cap from the current $15.9 million to more than $20 million.

The owners want to close loopholes in the cap, including one that allows teams to re-sign their own free agents without cap limitations. The players, however, are staunchly opposed.

Last week, the NBA informed its owners of the lockout details that will begin immediately after the NBA Finals between the Orlando and Houston. It will prevent any trades, free-agent signings or summer camps until the new collective-bargaining agreement is signed.

Bass replaces Twardzik&lt;

FORT MILL, S.C. - Bob Bass has shelved his retirement plans to become the head of the Charlotte Hornets' basketball affairs.

Bass, 66, who left the San Antonio Spurs last year after two decades as a coach and executive, was introduced Tuesday as the Hornets' new vice president of basketball operations. He replaces Dave Twardzik, who last month was named general manager of the Warriors.

Grizzlies have coach in mind&lt;

VANCOUVER, B.C. - General manager Stu Jackson has a coach in mind for the Vancouver Grizzlies, and intends to sign him within 10 days.

"I know who I like, but it's not a done deal," he said Tuesday.

Jackson confirmed he's had permission to talk with several assistant coaches in the NBA but refused to name them.

Among the candidates are Brian Winter of the Atlanta Hawks, Gar Heard of the Indiana Pacers and Jeff Van Gundy of the New York Knicks. Also mentioned are Jim Cleamons of the Chicago Bulls and former Phoenix Sun assistant Lionel Hollins.&lt;